Bloomin’ Time

I love a good double-meaning or fun play on words, and as E and I were taking a walk through town today, I started feeling creative. With my words, that is. And, as you may be aware, the Brits have quite a way with theirs as well! The one that ultimately came to mind in describing our current state – “blooming” – provides me a little giggle in the midst of insanity and a very – very – small cultural tidbit to share with everyone.

Here’s why!

Since arriving home from Barcelona on Monday, we’ve encountered serious fevers, tempers, a full-day power outage, alarms, and a little girl who is finally old enough to know that daddy isn’t here – and is determined to let the entire world know that she’s not okay with that! (He’s off on a super cool Wedding-turned-Guys’ Weekend in Istanbul and is super excited to be back on the blog sharing his experience with all of you in the coming days!)

In London, one might use the common phrase “It was a bloomin’ time!” to put such an occasion into words. The word “bloomin’” serves simply as an intensifier, if you will, both good and bad; however, I will admit I have yet to hear it used in the happy way. To clarify, my weekend with E was, let’s say, forgettable at best…we’re ready for the new week!

And then, as E and I were roaming the new-bud-studded streets and parks of North London this afternoon, I began pondering the different uses of language – both within and across cultures – again (I may have used a few choice words, not as kind as bloomin, as the alarm was howling this morning and I realized Troy had the alarm key with him… in TURKEY…) and had to sigh at the comic relief of the word “blooming.”

Spring has sprung in London, I dare say. Walk outside, and that warm sunshine and feeling of new life can’t help but take over. Everything is, quite literally, “blooming!” The trees are blooming, the flowers are blooming, and their sweet smells swaddle you in a blanket of happiness. Landscapes are changing, clothes are changing, moods are changing. It’s wonderful. E and I were so overjoyed by our surroundings, we even ventured over to the little zoo nearby to see if the animals were just as excited.  Why would we ever tarnish such a beautiful word as “blooming?!”

Well, rather than wondering away the subject, I will simply continue appreciating the humor, the strength, the love and the sadness that the complexity of language can provide.

I hope you had a bloomin’ good weekend and that spring, in all its beautiful blooming glory, has also made its grand entrance wherever you find yourselves right now!